What happens to escrow when a dispute is raised
When either party raises a dispute on a marketplace order, escrow is immediately frozen. The funds cannot be released to the seller, and they cannot be refunded to the buyer, until AADOPS resolves the dispute. Both parties are notified that the order is under dispute review.
How long funds are held
Funds remain frozen for the duration of the dispute review. AADOPS aims to resolve disputes within 3 to 5 business days of receiving complete evidence from both parties. Complex cases may take longer.
What both parties should do during a dispute
The party raising the dispute should have already submitted their evidence when raising the dispute. AADOPS may contact them for additional information.
The other party receives a notification that a dispute has been raised against their order. They have the opportunity to submit their own evidence — delivery proof, photographs, communication records — through the dispute response screen in their order view.
Dispute outcomes
Full refund to buyer — if AADOPS determines the seller failed to deliver or the goods were significantly misrepresented. Escrow is returned to the buyer.
Full release to seller — if AADOPS determines delivery was completed as described and the dispute is not substantiated. Escrow is released to the seller.
Split resolution — if partial fault is found. For example, the seller delivered 80% of the agreed quantity. AADOPS may release a proportional amount to the seller and refund the remainder to the buyer.